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Suzanne Candace “Candy” (Minear) Laragy was a loving wife, mother, sister, Mimi, friend, and teacher. She was 76 years old when she passed away at home in Madison on Nov. 17. She was surrounded by her adoring family.

She was predeceased by her father Alan C. Minear and her mother Margaret (Cassidy) Minear. She is also predeceased by her brother Andrew Minear and sister-in-law Julianne Minear. She is survived by her husband Michael Laragy as well as her daughter Margaret and her husband Jordan Kerns of Reading, Massachusetts, son Daniel and his wife Alicia Laragy of Belchertown, Massachusetts, son John and his wife Ashley Laragy of Higganum, and son Kevin and his wife Christa Laragy of Madison. Candace is also survived by her cherished grandchildren Katie, Sean, Collin, Steven, Zachary, Charlotte, Evelyn, and Juliet.

Candace was born on March 31, 1945, in Washington, D.C. She was the oldest of six children to Alan and Margaret (Cassidy) Minear of Northeast Washington. She graduated from St. Anthony’s Catholic School, where she formalized her love of Catholicism, Jesus, and the love and friendship of many of her lifelong friends. She met and later married Michael Laragy in October 1967.

Candy received her college degree from the University of Maryland in elementary education, which started her passion for teaching and learning. As their family grew, Candace and Mike decided to move to Madison in the fall of 1977. After a decade of raising her own children, she decided to return to teaching. Candace’s passion for teaching showed through as a beloved 8th- and 5th-grade teacher at Our Lady of Mercy School (OLM) in Madison. Her wonderful teaching style with her ever-present sense of humor and kindness were on display every year from 1985 until 2018, completing 33 years of teaching and nurturing her students. She formed dear relationships with the staff and families of OLM and Madison. She was always delighted to speak and share time with students and families who would see her in and around town.

Although she treasured her time as a teacher, what Candace loved most was spending time with her family. She was at her happiest when surrounded by her grandchildren, embracing her “Mimi” title, which she inherited from her own grandmother. Whether it was at home, where she hosted all the families’ holiday events, or visiting family and friends in Maryland, she was the source of love and fun that made for a wonderful time and led to excitement for the next family event.

There will be a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 27 at St. Margaret Church in Madison. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life gathering from noon to 3 p.m. at Café Allegre. We invite all family, friends, and the OLM community, especially former student, to come and share your wonderful memories.